Georgia-Auburn Gets Ugly, Why Mark Richt Must Regain Control

I just finished watching the replay of the end of the Georgia Auburn game after returning home from seeing the game in person. What I saw was not pretty, mostly for Georgia, the players, fans and university.

It all started with just over 2 minutes left in the game when Georgia trailed by 18 points. Needless to say the game was over but in a sportsman manner Georgia tries one last time to score. Unfortunately, that was the only was Georgia showed any sportsmanship. On 3rd and 3 with 2:06 left in the game Aaron Murray drops back and completes a pass to pick up the first down. On the play, Auburn Defensive Tackle Nick Fairley again beats Cordy Glenn, but he is pushed to the ground and in the process his helmet hits the shin and knee of Quarter back Aaron Murray. Murray roles on the ground in pain and walks off the field. On the ensuing play, Fairley tackles Washuan Ealey after a gain of about 3 yards. During the play UGA's number 61 Ben Jones holds the jersey of Auburn's number 93 Mike Blanc and pushes him out of the play. Then in a pre-mediated manner Jones immediately pounces on Auburn's number 90 Nick Fairley and grapples with him on the ground. On the video you can clearly see Jones punching Fairley in the abdomen as he pins him on the ground. Seeing this, Auburn's Mike Blanc and Stevens pull Jones off of Fairley. UGA's Washaun Ealey gets in the middle and starts shoving and punching Blanc. UGA's #60 Clint Boling then jumps in the middle and starts punching any Auburn player he can see, all while he continues to thrust himself into the Auburn side of the line of scrimmage.

While Boling is punching players, Auburn's Goggins pushes him away from the Auburn players that Jones is attacking. While shoving Goggins away he shoves the face mask of Boling. Then Washaun Ealey, already suspended this year for going to jail, punches Goggins in the facemask.

Of course, in the Professional manner of SEC officiating, the Referee calls the punch on Goggins and ejects him for the deliberate actions of Mark Richt's players, specifically Ben Jones, Ealey, and Boling. Then, while the SEC officials explain the penalty, Mark Richt has the audacity to come out on the field and tell the Ref that this is what happens when you don't call the personal foul on Nick Fairley on the previous play.

But wait, it is not over. Two plays later, UGA runs the ball to the right. During this play, UGA's #60 Clint Boling goes after the knees of Auburn lineback Craig Stevens. Also, #71 Cordy Glenn, blocks Auburn's #93 Mike Blanc in the back and out of the play while holding his jersey. UGA's Glenn continues pushing Blanc out of the play and Blanc starts pounding the chest of Glenn in the same manner as lineman punch during a pass rush. Glenn continues to shove Blanc after the whistle blows and tries to shove him into the UGA players bench.

Of course, in the Professional manner of SEC officiating, the referee call Blanc for a punch and ejects him from the game. Once again, as the result of Mark Richt's out of control players and program a second Auburn player is ejected from the game.

So, I guess Mark Richt got what he wanted, two players ejected. Instead of graciously accepting his loss, he lashes out and instructs his players to involve themselves in behavior demeaning to the University of Georgia and the rest of College Football. Instead of graciously accepting defeat, his jealously will likely cause 2 Auburn players to miss the first half of the Auburn Alabama game. Mark Richt's jealous rage could affect the outcome of that game and the outcome of the BCS.

Worse, Mark Richt has lost control of his program. Richt has had over 11 players arrested, one of which, Ealey, was in the middle of and instigated these actions. The lack of institutional control has been reflected for over 5 years now and shows its head amongst the game, the players, penalties, coaching, and on to the fans and worse yet, the students. I have over 5 stories (I'll spare the details) of UGA fans harassing me at a UGA Auburn game. Two of these stories occurred after watching UGA players dance and stomp between quarters in an effort to show off. In addition, I have witnessed first hand Georgia players punching and gouging players in the pile.

I can't figure out how Richt is able to portray himself so well off the field, but portrays himself so poorly on the field. Lastly, I can't figure out how the Georgia football nation has not figured it out as well.

In conclussion, Richt has lost control of his program. For the benefit of Georgia and college sportsmanship, it would be best if Richt regained that control.